One of my favorite trick to packing light is to keep getting rid of things as you go. Take smaller containers of toiletries, and just pitch them when they’re empty. Make resale and thrift stores your friend, coming and going: Plan to purchase any large, bulky clothing from resale shops when you arrive (this saved me in Paris!) and then leave those things behind. Plus, pack stuff you would otherwise donate to charity, and then do so at the end of your trip, making room for souvenirs.

RE shoes: I’m not good with the one pair of shoes thing: sweaty shoes that aren’t allowed to dry out between wearings will not only stink, they won’t last as long. That one pair of shoes will never dry out. If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, you’re more likely to get blisters if that same shoe is rubbing that same spot on your foot everyday (Sadly, also learned in Paris…the hard way.)

Oh, and just for girls: only pack matching solid color clothes, and try this: silk/polyester scarves & cotton sarongs pack really flat and change up your outfits with little effort, and can substitute for a blouse, dress, skirt, shawl, beach cover up, head covering or belt. (remember Units?) Happy travels!